Part of it read: “Sir Robert Peel, founder of British policing as we know it, said in one of his Nine Principles of Law Enforcement in 1829, and which still stands true today, that police officers should aim to achieve the following: “Ready offering of individual service and friendship to all members of society without regard to their race or social standing; ready exercise of courtesy and friendly good humour; and ready offering of individual sacrifice in protecting and preserving life.”

“That statement is a reflection of Keith’s service - and as we know, on Wednesday 22nd March, Keith made that ultimate individual sacrifice to protect others.

“Keith applied for the Metropolitan Police because he wanted to make a difference - because he wanted to make London a safer and better place for all. He had served in the Army Reserve for some time and was ready for a new challenge.

“Keith joined on the 5th November 2001 and in March 2002 was given his first posting from Training School - Bromley borough. He quickly settled in and excelled.

“It was at Bromley in 2005 that I would first meet Keith. I was a custody sergeant and Keith, as a proactive officer, was a regular visitor to the charge room with his prisoners.

“My early recollections of Keith, are of a hardworking, professional, honest, kind and caring person.

“A close friend who worked with Keith at Bromley recalled an occasion they were on patrol together, that showed his determination and enthusiasm.

“Keith had been trying to track down a wanted offender, spending weeks visiting various addresses, discovering a cannabis factory in the process before finally, by chance, seeing this male walking toward a shop. The dedication of Keith was such that, even though it was toward the end of their shift and they were both due to go to the pub after for a team event, Keith ran after this male eventually detaining him.

“Keith was pleased with his success - his friend, now delayed for the pub with witness notes to write, was not as pleased.

“Keith’s Bromley shoulder number, 157PY, is now retired.

“Keith continuously strove to develop his policing capabilities and during his service would attain the accomplished skills of being a front line public order medic and a firearms officer. Two very challenging roles that are testament to Keith’s commitment and dedication to achieve.

“Keith successfully applied to the Territorial Support Group, or TSG as it is more commonly known, and was posted to a base in Catford, south-east London, in November 2009.”

Chief Insp Sawyer closed the eulogy by saying: “His spirit will never leave us and he will remain an inspiration to us all. Keith’s blue lamp will shine bright forever. And on behalf of us all we say thank you - Keith made a difference and we will not forget.”